Obituary: Harold Eugene ‘Hep’ Porter

Courtesy of Santa Cruz Oakwood Memorial Chapel

Harold “Hep” Porter Jr.

January 19, 1960 – November 13, 2015

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Former Gardnerville resident Harold Eugene “Hep” Porter Jr. passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in the Philippines on November 13, 2015. Hep was born at Sister’s Hospital in Santa Cruz on January 19, 1960 to Hal and Barbara Porter. He grew up on the family Ranch and attended Mountain School, Branciforte Junior High, and Soquel High School.

Harold Porter Jr.

Hep had a life long passion for airplanes, and got his pilot’s license at 17. Soon after receiving his license, Hep took Aerobatic lessons and loved to perform rolls and tricks over the Santa Cruz beaches. He became interested in Formula One Pylon Air Racing and spent over 30 years involved in the sport. He successfully raced AeroMagic, Alley Cat, and Sitting Duck. He also raced several different aircraft in Formula V air racing. Through his love of the sport, Hep became one of the leading experts on Experimental Aircraft.

Hep also developed and built several properties in the Santa Cruz area before settling in Gardnerville, Nevada where he continued in Real Estate Development.

Hep was diagnosed with Alport’s Syndrome and began dialysis at 17. He had a kidney transplant in December 1979, at the age of 19. Within a year of his surgery, he was back bodybuilding and working as a carpenter. Hep’s kidney transplant was one of the most successful on record, having survived almost 36 years on a single transplant.

Hep is survived by his sister, Debbie; stepmom, Sherri; stepsisters, Traci and Tiffani; and many other relatives and extended family, including Josh, Keith and Nick, who were like sons to him. He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Hal Porter; brother, Jeff; and cousin, Marc Noblitt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12th at 10am at Santa Cruz Memorial – Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd, Santa Cruz with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 15490 Ventura Blvd., Suite 210, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. You can visit www.kidney.org or call (800)747-5527.

If you would like to send your condolences to Hep’s family, share a memory or photo, or light a candle please visit www.scmemorial.com, Santa Cruz Memorial FD1530, (831) 475-2464.